The growing crisis draws strong responses from the international community.

The United States says South-East Asian nations should work together to save hundreds of migrants abandoned by people smugglers.

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon calls on countries to "ensure the obligation of rescue at sea is upheld" and to "keep their borders and ports open in order to help the vulnerable people who are in need".

Myanmar enacts a population law that rights groups say targets persecuted Rohingya Muslims.

Under the legislation, local authorities can survey their regions to determine if "resources are unbalanced because of a high number of migrants in the area, a high population growth rate and a high birth rate".

Tony Abbott says 'nope'

May 21, 2015

Asked if any of the asylum seekers will be allowed to settle in Australia, he answers: "Nope, nope, nope".

Australia will do absolutely nothing that gives any encouragement to anyone to think that they can get on a boat, that they can work with people smugglers to start a new life. If you want a better life, you need to come through the front door.

Prime minister Tony Abbott

Indonesia's foreign ministry says Australia is obliged to resettle Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, but Mr Abbott flatly refuses to consider the option, saying: "In the end the culprit is Burma, it is Burma where there is an issue".

Myanmar changes its stance, agreeing to attend the regional meeting hosted by Thailand.

The Malaysian government announces that its navy and coastguard will also be mobilised for searches, but so far it has not reported any rescues.

Meanwhile, the United States and Gambia say they will help take in the asylum seekers.